Remote controlled lighted hymn board

ABSTRACT

A lighted hymn board in the form of a lighted sign adapted especially for use in a church to selectively identify a specific page number or song number in a hymn book. The apparatus is comprised of spaced apart indicia bearing lighted stations. The illuminating means associated with each station is remotely controlled to selectively highlight the indicia contained thereon. The indicia selectively affixed to each station is of a size and configuration to facilitate recognition from a considerable distance when illuminated.

United States Patent Hobbs REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTED HYMN BOARD [4 1Sept. 5, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 3,055 7/ 1926 Australia..40/132 D 463,092 2/ 1914 France ..40/132 D Primary Examiner-Robert W.Michell Assistant Examiner-Richard Carter Attorney-Marcus L. BatesABSTRACT A lighted hymn board in the form of a lighted sign adaptedespecially for use in a church to selectively identify a specific pagenumber or song number in a hymn book. The apparatus is comprised ofspaced apart indicia bearing lighted stations. The illuminating meansassociated with each station is remotely controlled to selectivelyhighlight the indicia contained thereon. The indicia selectively affixedto each station is of a size and configuration to facilitate recognitionfrom a considerable distance when illuminated.

6Claims,8DrawingFigures PATENTEDSEP 5 m2 JNVENTOR PAUL MJ'IOBBS MARCUSI... BATES HA5 F/GENT REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTED HYMN BOARD BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION Many churches still follow the gratifying old time customof allowing the entire congregation to participate in the musicalworship rather than providing planned music from individual members orby a small select group. Hymn books are distributed throughout theauditorium and each member of the congregation has a copy of hymns fromwhich to sink the songs selected by the song leader or pastor.

In a large congregation the announcement by the song leader of the pagenumber or hymn next to be sung is usually followed by a whisperedundertone heard throughout the church, caused by many members askingtheir neighbor What page did he say?. This annoying habit isparticularly associated with the older members who may be somewhat hardof hearing, those seated in areas of the church having poor acousticalproperties, and especially those parishioners seated in the rear of theauditorium and the balcony.

It is therefore desirable to be able to visually inform each individualmember of the congregation the number of the next hymn to be sung. Alsodesirable is that this information be presented in a positive andunobjectionable manner by utilization of an apparatus which is anattractive addition to the auditorium decor. A further desirablerequirement of such an apparatus is the ability to simultaneously informthe entire congregation of all the hymns selected and which will at alltimes place emphasis upon the next particular hymn to be sung.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention comprehends a lighted hymn boardin the form of a sign apparatus especially adapted for presentinghigh-lighted indicia in a church. The apparatus is comprised of asuitably constructed attractive frame member enclosing a translucentlight passing panel and a plurality of illuminated stations associatedwith hidden enclosures. The light or illuminating means associated witheach station is selectively and remotecontrollably energized andde-energized. Each station contains removable indicia thereon which isof a size and configuration easily recognized from a distance whenelectrically high-lighted. More specifically, the invention comprehendsan electric sign comprised of a frame, a translucent panel, a pluralityof adjacent outwardly opening stations or enclosures; with each stationremovably supporting indicia; with each adjacent station being separatedby a bulkhead; and which contains an illumination means or light withineach bulkhead; and wherein each bulkhead cooperates with a ledger plateaffixed to the translucent panel with the ledger plate preventingdiffusion of light from one station into another. Each illuminatingmeans is provided with suitable circuitry to permit remote controlthereof.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide alighted sign having stations thereon which support removable indicia,with each station being controllably high-lighted so as to cause onestation to be more visually prominent than another.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a remotelycontrolled, electrically high-lighted sign which is especially adaptedfor conveying specific data.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an attractiveelectrically operated hymn number selector board which enhances thedecor of a church.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of aplurality of hymn boards having selectively high-lighted indicia whichcan be viewed from any location of an auditorium and which can beactuated from a plurality of remote switch means.

The above objects are attained in accordance with the present inventionby the provision of an electrically lighted sign made essentially asoutlined in the above abstract and summary. Various other objects andadvantages of this invention will become readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description andby referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational fragmentaryview of a sanetuary of a church with an alcove being disposed thereinand showing the invention associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of part of the foregoingstructure, with parts thereof being broken away and other parts beingshown sectioned so as to better illustrate the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary partly cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view of part of thestructure seen in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a further enlarged portion of indicia adapted to be used inconjunction with the foregoing figures;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a remote control panel used inconjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary partly cross-sectional view of a relaycontrol box; and

FIG. 8 is a schematical representation of circuitry FIG. 1 illustrates achurch as may be viewed by a member of the congregation, wherein numeral10 represents an alcove located within the sanctuary. A lectem 12located forward of seats 14 is placed on a raised platform. Lightedsigns 15 and 16 are disposed on opposite walls in view of the entiremain body of the congregation. A smaller lighted sign, not shown, canalternatively be located in the general area indicated by the arrow atnumeral 17 so as to enable those seated at 14 to view the identicalindicia presented by the signs at 15 and 16.

Any number of remote control boxes can be located in any convenientlocation, as for example, on top of the lectem, or on a front wall ofthe church.

Hymn boards 15 and 16 are identically constructed and include atranslucent light diffusing panel 28 faced with a suitable frame 19 suchas oak or other attractive material which corresponds to the generaldecor of the church interior. Spaced apart borders 20, 27 provide meansby which indicia may be affixed to the outwardly disposed face of thepanel as well as separating one station from another. The uppermoststation 21 has permanently affixed thereto the illustrated indicia belowwhich there is located several adjacent stations 22, 23 each having theillustrated removable indicia attached thereto. As an optional detail ofdesign, the indicia at station 21 can also be removably affixed, shouldsuch an expedient be found desirable. Aligned with each of the bordersthere is seen a series of spaced apart parallel partitions or bulkheads24. Three marginal edge portions of each partition is received withinthe illustrated groove which extends about the inside periphery of walls25 to form each individual outwardly opening enclosure or station. Anelectric light 26, preferably an elongated 25 watt bulb approximately 4l inches in effective length, is centrally disposed within the enclosedportion of each station.

Each of the spaced apart parallel borders 20, 27 are cemented orotherwise rigidly secured to the outwardly disposed face of a lightpassing sheet of material 28, as for example, glass or plexiglass, so asto rigify the translucent panel and at the same time present an upwardlyopening vertical groove 29 longitudinally disposed across the entirelength of the border for supporting removable indicia 33.

Ledger plate 30 depends in a rearward direction from and is firmlyattached to the rear face of panel 28. The ledger plates are spacedapart from one another in the illustrated manner of FIG. 3 and 4 and areparallel to and closely adjacent each of the before mentioned partitionsso as to present overlapping nonengaging coacting members having a smallair gap 31 therebetween. Member 30 is preferably fabricated from a lightabsorbing material, as for example, black plastic or plastic-likematerial, to prevent the transfer of light from one station compartmentinto another. Rearward face 32 of the plastic panel member is abuttinglyreceived by the free edge portion of the main enclosure. The outer faceof the panel member is sprayed with a coating or film of paint oralternatively can be rough-ground by using a coarse grinding compound soas to diffuse light passing therethrough and at the same time impart adesirable subdued illuminated appearance.

A remote control box 34, preferably fabricated of metal, is located atone or more locations throughout the church house and includes aplurality of removable face plates 34', each containing switches 35therein. Each switch is a single pole-double throw type such asexemplified by a 3 amp, 25 volt, G. E. commercially available touchswitch.

Located closely adjacent to the lighted sign, or equidistant from aplurality of signs, or alternatively within the sign itself, is a relaybox 36, preferably of metal and having a bulkhead therein which receivesa relay 37 for each of the before described stations 21, 23. The relayshave a 110 volt switch side 38 which is actuated to the opened or closedposition by the low voltage coil side 39, so as to enable the doublepole touch switch to positively engage or disengage the 110 volt side ofthe relay by the action of a touch switch.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates circuitry for three of the panels ofthe hymn board. Those skilled in the art will realize that any number ofswitches, relays, and bulbs can be connected in parallel so as to enableany number of lighted stations to be employed.

OPERATION In operation one or more lighted signs 15, I6, 17 are disposedin a manner to be viewed by the congregation. The remote control box 34is preferably hidden from view at a discreet location where it can beactuated by a deacon who has been assigned this function. The relay box36 is usually mounted near the pulpit with each of the before mentioneddevices being wired according to the circuitry of FIG. 8. The removableindicia 33 is placed on the lighted panel in the manner of FIG. 2 withthe proper selection of the hymns being determined prior to the arrivalof the congregation.

When desired, the congregation can predetermine each of the hymns to besung by closely observing the unlighted indicia. When time to commencesinging has arrived, the indicia at 21 is high-lighted, therebysignifying that everyone should make the hymn books available. The firsthymn to be sung is presented at station 22 and when that time arrivesthe proper button of the touch switch is actuated. This actuates therelay which closes the switch which in turn illuminates the station withthe proper indicia thereon. When the time arrives for the second hymn,the touch switch for illuminating station 23 is pressed, therebysignifying the next hymn number to the congregation. If desired, station22 can be de-energized at this time by merely pressing the previoustouch switch so as to actuate the relay to the standby configuration sothat only the present hymn is emphasized.

Several remote control boxes can be connected together and to severaldifferent hymn boards, with the touch switch of one box being arrangedparallel to the corresponding touch switch of another box. Thisexpedient enables one at the rear of the church to actuate the hymnboard, as well as enabling the song director at 12 to manipulate theboard.

When a touch switch is closed, current flows from the low voltage sideof transformer T, through the touch switch, and to a winding of relay37, causing the relay switch contacts to close, thereby completing thecircuit to the bulb associated with the relay. When the touch switch ispressed in the opposite direction, the relay is moved to the secondposition, thereby opening the relay switch contacts and interruptingcurrent flow to the bulb. The illustrated rectifier is not essential inthe circuits of FIG. 8.

While various substitutions and changes can be made by those skilled inthe art while still remaining within the comprehension of my invention,the following circuit components have been found to be satisfactory inoperation: transformer T: G.E.R.T.l v/30v; rectifier: G.E.R.A.9; touchswitch 35 G.E. RFS-Il; relay 37: G.E. RR-3; and bulb 26: 25 watt lamp,GE. 25 T-lO.

It is pointed out that the number and position of the hymn boards andremote control switches are optional. Any switch of any control box willactuate its associate relay which in turn will actuate its associatelight station of all of the hymn boards. The present system disclosedherein is trouble free, fool proof, attractive in appearance and low incost. They hymn board can be fabricated from metal, wood, or plasticwhich can be finished in a manner to accent the existing decor of anychurch. The specific construction of the front panel enables the framingmember 19 to be finished in natural wood which preferably is selected inaccordance with the wall to which it is associated.

The coating or film of paint which is applied to the plastic panel28-can be selected to'give any desired color of light. A frosted glasscan be used in lieu of the film of paint where deemed desirable.

The panel frame 19 is preferably hinged along one vertical edge portionand provided with a latch at the remaining vertical edge portion so asto enable the panel to be unfastened and moved about the hinge, therebyenabling the interior of the board to be serviced. It should be notedthat ledger member 30 is moved into overlapping relationship with apartition 24 as the front panel is rotated about its hinge to the closedposition.

Where only one hymn board is used in the church, the relay box 36 can beincluded inside the board and the board affixed to the congregation sideof the pulpit so as to enable it to be viewed by a maximum number ofpeople.

I claim:

1. A lighted sign having a plurality of controlled lighted stationscomprising:

structure forming an enclosure which includes spaced apart sides, and aback; a front panel affixed to said structure;

a plurality of spaced apart bulkheads affixed to said structure anddividing the enclosure into several stations, said bulkheads extendingfrom the back of said structure and having a forward edge portionterminating short of the front panel so as to be spaced from the rearsurface of said front panel;

a plurality of adjacently arranged spaced apart parallel light absorbingledger plates affixed to the rear of said front panel, each of saidledger plates being parallel to each of said bulkheads, each adjacentsaid ledger plates adapted to overlie the forward edge portion of abulkhead so as to present a ledger plate adjacent to a bulkhead, witheach of the ledger plates and its adjacent bulkhead lying closelyadjacent to each other in spaced apart relationship;

said front panel having most of the surface area thereof made of lightpassing material;

means for removably affixing indicia on said front panel; and,illuminating means located between bulkheads of each station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including remote control meansfor controlling the illumination means of each station; saidillumination means being an electrical powered light, said remotecontrol means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting saidswitch and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay tocause current to flow from a source to said light.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably affixingindicia includes spaced apart members which are parallel to one anotherand to the panel, each member being superimposed upon a ledger platewith the light passing material being interposed therebetween;

each member having an upwardly opening groove therein with the groovebeing longitudinally disposed with respect to the ledger plate; whereby:

members forming indicia can be captured within the groove.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connectedto a remote control means; said remote control means including means forsimultaneously controlling the illumination means of each station; saidillumination means being an electrical powered light, said remotecontrol means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting saidswitch relay and light together whereby said switch actuates said relayto cause current to flow from a source to said light.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connectedto a plurality of remote control means, said remote control means beingconnected to the illumination means of each station; said illuminationmeans being an electrical powered light, said remote control meansincluding a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch, relay,and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to causecurrent to flow from a source to said light.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said indicia includes a base adaptedto be received within said groove; an upstanding plane attached to saidbase, said plane being in the configuration of indicia; the upperterminal end of said plane adapted to be receivedin spaced apartrelationship with respect to the lower portion of the upper adjacentmember.

1. A lighted sign having a plurality of controlled lighted stations comprising: structure forming an enclosure which includes spaced apart sides, and a back; a front panel affixed to said structure; a plurality of spaced apart bulkheads affixed to said structure and dividing the enclosure into several stations, said bulkheads extending from the back of said structure and having a forward edge portion terminating short of the front panel so as to be spaced from the rear surface of said front panel; a plurality of adjacently arranged spaced apart parallel light absorbing ledger plates affixed to the rear of said front panel, each of said ledger plates being parallel to each of said bulkheads, each adjacent said ledger plates adapted to overlie the forward edge portion of a bulkhead so as to present a ledger plate adjacent to a bulkhead, with each of the ledger plates and its adjacent bulkhead lying closely adjacent to eacH other in spaced apart relationship; said front panel having most of the surface area thereof made of light passing material; means for removably affixing indicia on said front panel; and, illuminating means located between bulkheads of each station.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including remote control means for controlling the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for removably affixing indicia includes spaced apart members which are parallel to one another and to the panel, each member being superimposed upon a ledger plate with the light passing material being interposed therebetween; each member having an upwardly opening groove therein with the groove being longitudinally disposed with respect to the ledger plate; whereby: members forming indicia can be captured within the groove.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connected to a remote control means; said remote control means including means for simultaneously controlling the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means being a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch relay and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of signs are connected to a plurality of remote control means, said remote control means being connected to the illumination means of each station; said illumination means being an electrical powered light, said remote control means including a switch, a relay circuit means connecting said switch, relay, and light together whereby said switch actuates said relay to cause current to flow from a source to said light.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said indicia includes a base adapted to be received within said groove; an upstanding plane attached to said base, said plane being in the configuration of indicia; the upper terminal end of said plane adapted to be received in spaced apart relationship with respect to the lower portion of the upper adjacent member. 